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The Rancher Next Door
Single mom Carly Wagner is surprised to learn she’ll have to share ownership of the home she’s inherited with her first love—and first heartbreak—Andrew Stephens. The man who fled their tiny Western town is back and standing in the way of her dreams to expand her B and B. Now a successful businessman, Andrew has eight weeks to buy Carly out. But Carly’s too stubborn to persuade—and too beautiful to ignore. When fire ravages her inn and she and her daughter move in to their shared property, Andrew’s in over his head. Time is running out and Andrew must decide: leave and chase another deal...or stay and chase Carly’s heart.
“What a difference twenty-four hours can make.”
He faced the woman who was now beside him.
“Last night at this time,” Carly explained, “I was slamming the door on you.”
“Oh, that. Well, this hasn’t been what I’d call an average day.”
“Me either. But I appreciate everything you did for us today, Andrew.”
He dared to meet her gaze. “I didn’t do much.”
“You were there for me when I needed you.” She went to him, rose up on her toes and hugged him. “Thank you.” Her words were a whisper on his ear, soft and warm. And he felt his world shift.
Then she turned for the door. “Good night.”
Stunned, he managed to eke out, “Night,” before she disappeaered into the house.
He stood there, waiting to breathe. Carly stirred something in him that he hadn’t felt...well, since they were a couple.
That was not good. Because despite today’s events, there was still the issue of his grandmother’s house. And that was a battle he intended to win.
Life is littered with the unexpected. Yet sometimes, those events turn out to be unexpected blessings.
Andrew and Carly were a couple of misguided souls allowing their pasts to dictate their futures. They were content in their lives—they had dreams and aspirations—yet God had so much more in store for them. Things they never imagined.
I love how God works. We’re going along on our merry way, doing our own thing, and then He sends us on a little detour that can change our lives forever.
I hope you enjoyed Andrew and Carly’s story. I love reunion stories, and theirs was one steeped in past hurts, perceived failures and regret. Yet God used those things to draw them together and open their eyes to the truth.
And how about meeting the rest of the Stephens men? Definitely some heroes in the making.
Of course, I was thrilled to take you back to Ouray, albeit in a little different way. While the city of Ouray is nestled in a bowl, surrounded by thirteen-thousand-foot peaks, a short drive north of town and the mountains are pushed back, leaving beautiful rangeland dotted with ranches, all bordered by the majestic San Juan Mountains.
Until next time, I would love to hear from you. You can contact me via my website, mindyobenhaus.com, or you can snail-mail me c/o Love Inspired Books, 195 Broadway, 24th Floor, New York, NY 10007.
See you next time,
Mindy
It took MINDY OBENHAUS forty years to figure out what she wanted to do when she grew up. But once God called her to write, she never looked back. She’s passionate about touching readers with biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. Mindy lives in Texas with her husband and kids. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her grandchildren. Find more at mindyobenhaus.com.
Their Ranch Reunion
Mindy Obenhaus
Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a
new thing! Now it springs up; do you not
perceive it? I am making a way in the
wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
—Isaiah 43:18–19
For Your glory, Lord.
A big thank-you to Captain Glen Vincent,
Village Fire Department, for your twenty-nine
years of service as a firefighter and for
your willingness to share your knowledge.
Thanks to Wendy Jilek at Colorado Kitchen and
Bath Design, Montrose, Colorado, for
your input on the kitchen-design process.
Much appreciation to Catrina at ServePro
of Montrose and Telluride.
And I couldn’t have done any of this without
the love and support of my incredible husband.
Thank you for being my rock.
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